Omnix release 9.2
Omnix release 9.2 introduces some significant new features and enhancements for the Omnix infrastructure and program management platform, being driven directly by customer demand. These new features increase the effectiveness of Omnix in providing business process and information management automation. Andrew is now positioned as a market leader in site project and infrastructure management tools through its Omnix solution suite.

Geographic Information System (GIS)
A significant new feature for Omnix 9.2 is the GIS option. This is a completely embedded GIS solution utilizing state-of-the-art GIS software. The embedded GIS enables Omnix users to view geospatial data such as cell sites, properties, projects, and assets through the GIS browser. Geo-located data entities may be overlaid on geographical map images and other geospatial images such as terrain data, external and internal building plans, and more. The GIS browser supports multiple data layers allowing users to selectively turn on/off each layer for ease of viewing using a pop-up layer control menu. Configurable color coded flags and icons are used to indicate key data objects and status information on the GIS display. Related data such as project status and milestones, site data, and more may be launched in context with the currently viewed site or project data, from the GIS by simply clicking on a data object or icon. GIS applications include radio planning data, search rings, site visualization, property location, asset location and tracking, network and transmission link data, project management, human resource management, network maintenance, workforce tracking, floor planning, and more. Useful related data such as site address and contact information can also be displayed in the associated data pop-up window. The GIS option will also allow spatial data to be imported/exported to/from other OSS/GIS systems.

Offline Workflow
The Omnix workflow engine resides centrally on the Omnix server and is responsible for the effective sequencing and synchronization of multiple concurrent processes, individual task queues, and tasks. However, many tasks require the user to be located at a remote site which may not have direct access to the Omnix server.

Offline Workflow is an enhanced version of the offline working client for Omnix which enables remote users to download executing tasks from a workflow queue and use their PDAs or laptops to complete these tasks when they are in the field and not connected to the Omnix server. Offline Workflow enables tasks to be taken offline from any workflow plan such as Site Rollout and Upgrade (SRU) or Asset Management. Task dependencies (such as pre-requisite tasks and data dependencies) are managed by the online workflow engine and tasks are synchronized and reconciled with the Omnix database on re-connection to the server. Example tasks can include radio surveys, site surveys, site build work, equipment installation, financial auditing, health and safety checks, system testing, and more. Additional data may be entered as required by each specific task, such as equipment data, pass/fail criterion, and notes.

Tabbed menus and menu icons
Navigating Omnix has been made even easier with the use of configurable menu tabs. Menu tabs help to highlight the key menu items in a user friendly manner. Menu tabs can include both a text legend and also an optional icon. Using the Omnix configuration tools, menu items may be defined as a tab rather than appearing in the menu bar as text. The menu tabs appear in the context screen just below the context menu bar. The currently selected menu tab is always shown on top and when multiple tabs are displayed which exceed the width of the tab field, tabs are wrapped to appear on multiple rows. Also note that icons can also now be included in drop-down menu items as well.

Configurable welcome pages
For most Omnix users there is a need to access routine information on a regular basis during the course of a day. Many users prefer to go straight to their favorite working area, project, report, or dashboard. A new key feature of Omnix 9.2 is the introduction of the configurable welcome page. Any viewable context page can be saved as the default home page and welcome page. This will then be the screen displayed when logging into Omnix again or when clicking on the Home button at the top right hand side of the Omnix banner.

Configuration tool enhancements
Omnix 9.2 also introduces a number of significant enhancements to the Omnix configuration tools. End user developer tools include both workflow configuration and report design tools. The Omnix 9.2 tools now support team working environments for rapid development. More than one user can download their configuration data from the Omnix database and work on their own designs (such as new workflow plans, reports, menu items, and more) in parallel with other developers and then upload these changes to the database for execution. Only the software components that are required for a particular configuration are determined automatically by the tool and downloaded/uploaded which saves transfer time. The configuration tool automatically reconciles the changes in the database, manages conflict resolution, and validates data integrity before saving the new configuration.

For more information or to order, email networksolutionssales@andrew.com or telephone +44(0)117 9060301.